The Apostolic Christian Church is included here because, although it does not have historical ties with the Anabaptist movement, it shares many similarities with other conservative Mennonite groups. The Church body began in Switzerland in the 1830s, under the leadership of Samuel Froehlich, who was influenced by the Anabaptists and their teachings. Formerly a Protestant minister, Froehlich was excommunicated when he refused to implement a newly introduced catechism that he objected to. Froehlich was later banished to France, while many of his followers migrated to America in the 1840s. Apostolic Christian Church congregations are generally rural, and the Church takes a cautious approach to higher education. Doctrinally, they teach complete sanctification upon conversion, after which new converts testify to their conversion experience, and are baptized by immersion. There is a laying on of hands from an elder of the Church, which is viewed as a confirmation or sealing of the presence of the Holy Spirit within the new convert. After conversion, it is expected that there will be a change in a convert's behavior and lifestyle. The Church holds to the inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility and literal interpretation of Scripture. Members avoid taking oaths, and are pacifistic. Men dress simply and keep their hair short, while women are urged to avoid ornamentation and cosmetics. There is no prescribed dress code, but members tend to wear modest, plain clothing, while women often wear a flowered prayer veil. Church buildings are plain, and most congregations use a cappella singing. Men are seated separately from women during services, and women keep their heads covered. Ministers are chosen from the congregation, receive no ministerial training, and serve open-ended terms. Sermons are conducted without notes or references, and the Bible is often opened at random to provide the minister with material for his message. The Church is often referred to as the "New Amish."
Recommended Resources
The ACC was founded in the early 1830s by Samuel Froehlich, a former vicar of the Swiss Reformed Church, who was influenced by Mennonites and Anabaptist writings.. The history and organization of the Church body is presented, including its purpose and mission, beliefs, and practices, including its positions on God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Congregations of the Apostolic Christian Church may be located through the site.
http://www.apostolicchristian.org/
Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services
Formed in 2006, the ACCFS is an agency of the Apostolic Christian Church of America that serves the mental health and relationship needs of ACC members and friends of the church. Its location, office hours and contacts are posted, along with the agency’s charter, mission and core values, a summer of its work, and funding sources. A history of the agency is given, and a policy document is available.
http://www.accounseling.org/
Apostolic Christian Harvest Call
Formed from the Merger of the ACCA’s World Relief and Mission Committees, the Harvest Call is an outreach ministry of the Apostolic Christian Church of America. Its history, guiding principles, and organizational structure are given, and its outreach activities are highlighted, with reports, contacts and concerns. Its missionaries are recognized, and information if given on how others may help with their work. Contributions may be made through the site.
http://www.harvestcall.org/
Apostolic Christian Life Points
Formerly known as Apostolic Christian Timber Ridge, which remains the name of its original 74-bed home, the agency offers services to the handicapped, including residential services. Its history, points of service and other resources are set forth, along with testimonials, a list of board members, staff contacts and office hours. Career opportunities are posted to the site, and a calendar of events is included.
http://www.aclifepoints.org/
Apostolic Christian Publications
The ACP develops, publishes and distributes Christian materials that serve the needs, purposes and functions of the Apostolic Christian Church of America. Its principles, function and scope of services are posted, and a catalog of its products is featured here, along with an order form, price list, shipping information, and an online store. Available are Bibles, Sunday School and VBS materials, Bible study materials, and supplementary publications.
http://www.acpublications.org/
A ministry of the Apostolic Christian Church, Gateway Woods offers various Christian-centered social services programs in northeastern Indiana, including residential child care, on-grounds educational services, foster care, adoption services, and home-based services, which are described here, along with a history and successes of the program, with testimonials and program reports.
http://www.gatewaywoods.org/
